Percutaneous closure of residual atrial septal defect after surgical closure

Residual atrial septal defect (ASD) after surgical closure is rare, but some cases are seen during follow-up period. Redo surgery for residual ASD is often declined, while percutaneous closure can be acceptable. However, the indication of percutaneous closure for residual ASD has not been established. We reviewed our experience with percutaneous closure of residual ASD using medical and procedural records. Between 2006 and 2018, residual ASD was seen in seven patients. The median age of patients was 66 years (range 50–81 years), and the median period after surgical closure of ASD was 39 years (range 13–48 years). All patients had symptoms related to ASD. Percutaneous closure of residual ASD was successfully performed in all seven patients. No residual shunts were detected during the median follow-up period of 4.2 years (range 0.5–11 years) after percutaneous closure. Based on transesophageal echocardiographic findings and operative records for surgical closure, we considered two mechanisms causing residual ASD, such as the tear of surgical suture line and the overlooking of defect during surgical closure. Percutaneous closure of residual ASD was safely performed without any complications, suggesting that percutaneous is an effective therapeutic strategy for residual ASD after surgical closure.